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A SHORT 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



OF 



MAJOR JAMES POTTS, 

BORN 1752, DIED 1822, 

TO WHICH IS APPENDED COPIES OF THE MOST IMPORTANT 

PAPERS RELATING TO HIM, AND TWO 

ANCESTRAL CHARTS. 

By THOMAS MAXWELL POTTS. 



CAXONSBUKG, PA. 

PRINTED PRIVATELY BY THE AUTHOR. 

1877. 

V. 






2G674 



13 -'/I ^ 



To 

THOMAS JEFFERSON POTTS, 

My Revered and Venerable Father, the youngest and only 

living child of Major James Potts, now verging on 

four-score years of age, as a slight token of 

my love and esteem, is this little volume 

respectfully inscribed by 

The Author. 



^"'^'^-";^N 



o lB9b 



<f ^^Asmt-^ 



y^ 



INTRODUCTION 



Every right minded person feels a greater or less interest 
in knowing something of the personal history of his ances- 
tors, and if they have lived honorable lives and devoted 
their energies in the promotion of some high calling or 
praiseworthy purpose, he feels an honest pride in cherishing 
their memories. 

During a number of years past, while engaged in making 
researches regarding our branch of the Potts family, I 
became acquainted with a number of interesting incidents 
in the life of my grandfather — Major James Potts, and 
latterly, many papers in some way relating to him, have 
fallen into my hands. To preserve to his descendants, 
the little that I have been able to rescue from oblivion, 
I have prepared the following biographical sketch. Had 
the idea of preparing this sketch, occurred to me ten or 



6 Introductio7i, 

fifteen years sooner, sources of information would then 
have been available that are now gone forever in the 
decease of his elder children and other aged persons, more 
or less familiar with his history. 

I had hoped, even with the facilities remaining, to collect 
a fuller account of the Major's Revolutionary history, but 
in the absence of documents, probably lost, I am able to 
present only a very fragmentary sketch. 

I wish here to acknowledge having received valuable 
information from William John Potts,* a very intelligent 
and courteous gentleman of Camden, New Jersey, who, for 
more than six years past, has been collecting materials for 
a history of the first settlers of the name of Potts in the 
United States. 

Should any one, into whose hands this volume may 
come, be in possession of any additional facts relative to 
the subject of this sketch, I hope they will at once be 
communicated to me. 

Canonsburg, Pa., May, 1877. T. M. P. 



* William John Potts was the first to discover that Thomas Potts who 
came to this country in the ''Shield" in 1678, was not the ancestor of the 
Pottstown family as was for a long time supposed, though no credit is 
given in the valuable "Memorial of Thomas Potts, Junior, etc., Cam- 
Ijridge, 18tl," by Mrs. Thomas Potts James. 



JAMES POTTS. 




BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



K -.iilV., ^WAJOR JAMES POTTS, the subject of this 
sketch, was a native of Philadelphia county, 
Pennsylvania, as were his father and grand- 
father before him. He was born at German- 
town on Saturday, June 17th, 1752, (O. S.,) 
"at 30 minutes after 2 o'clock in the mornin^?, at the house 
of William Ashmead, opposite the market house." So 
reads the old family record. 

He was the son of Samuel and Ann (Rush) (Ashmead) 
Potts, grandson of Daniel and Sarah (Shoemaker) Potts, 
and great-grandson of David and Alice (Croasdale) Potts. 
It is related in the family that David Potts came to this 
country from Wales in company with three others. Major 
Potts's mother, Ann Rush, was the daughter of James and 
Rachel (Peart) Rush, granddaughter of William and Aure- 

lia ( ) Rush, and great-granddaughter of Captam John 

and Susannah (Lucas) Rush. Ann Rush was first married 
to John Ashmead, grandson of the original settler John 
Ashmead, by whom she had four children. The ancestors 
of Major Potts were members of the Society of Friends 
and settled in the Province of Pennsylvania about the 
time of the formation of the Colony 



lo Biographical Sketch of 

In the family record to which I have had access, and 
which was coinmenced in the year 1777, the date of his 
birth is g:iven as "April 17th, 1752" instead of "June 17th, 
1752," the correct date. It will be seen that he was born 
but a few months before the chang:e in the calendar from 
the Old to the New Style. It is quite probable that the 
first record of- his birth was written in the style in use a 
mono the Friends prior to the chan'ge, in which the months 
were numbered, beginning with March as the first month. 
In that case it would have been written, •"4th mo. 17th, 
1752." After 1752 the churches and monthly meetings 
adopted the legal calendar and numbered the months, 
commencing with January. It will be seen how readily, a 
quarter of a century later, in changing from the number to 
the name of the month, the 4th month would be given as 
April instead of June. 

Until the year 1808, Major Potts resided a short dis- 
tance north of Philadelphia. From the records of the 
births of his children and other papers it appears that he 
resided in Oxford township, Philadelphia county, with the 
exception of the yt ars 1805, 6, and 7, when he resided on 
a farm in the edge of Montgomery county near Milestown, 
five miles from his former residence and six miles from the 
State House. In 1808 he removed to Chester county 
where he spent the remainder of his days. He was by 
trade a blacksmith — which he learned from his father — 
but he followed the occupation of farming for the most 
part. 

Major Potts was of small stature, very active and of 
rather quick temper. While he never had the advantage 
of a liberal education, yet he was a man of no mean attain- 



Afajor James Potts. ii 

merits and possessed a good sound judgement. He early 
took strong grounds in favor of the temperance movement, 
and sometimes offended his neighbors because the custo- 
mary decanter was not always brought from the sideboard. 
He always took a very great interest in political and mili- 
tary matters, and during the Revolutiorinry War took an 
active part in the cause of the Colonies. He was a sol- 
dier, being an officer in the militia service. He not only 
served his full time but frequently tendered his services 
when off duty. 

Notwithstanding his long service, he escaped without a 
wound, though he had many narrow escapes. He fought 
in but few battles, but was engaged in a number of skir- 
mishes. He took such strong ground in favor of the 
patriots' cause and such an active part in everything per- 
taining to the welfare of the American army, that strenu- 
ous efforts were made on several occasions to make him a 
prisoner, but without success. During the occupation of 
Philadelphia by Howe's army, British officers would fre- 
quently ride up to his house and inquire, "Is Mr. James 
Potts at home.'"' — they having been informed of his senti- 
ments and actions by his tory neighbors. On one occasion 
he'only escaped capture by getting away from his house 
through a back window and secreting himself among the 
rocks along the Delaware river. 

On another occasion, as he was standing upon the shore 
watching the English fleet as they were evacuating the 
Delaware river, he had a narrow escape from being shot. 
During the passage of these vessels, there was more or 
less random firing from the ships and by the Americans on 
shore, when a ball from the river whizzed by him in such 



12 Biographical Sketch of 

clo-^e proximity to his person that he considered it prudent 
to seek safer quarters. 

The writer has in his possession a largje number of 
military papers, letters, etc., which belonged to Major 
Potts and which throw much h'ght upon his actions and 
character. It is possible that many important papers and 
documents have not been preserv^ed, having been either 
lost or destroyed. The papers now in my keeping were 
found, after his death, in a drawer in his private desk. 
The desk became the property of the Major's youngest 
son, and the papers remained, almost undisturbed, in the 
same drawer for nearly half a century. 

The first paper of any importance in the order of date, 
is a letter addressed to " Miss Sally Wessell, in Oxford 
Near the Wheat Sheaf" [Oxford was a township of Phil- 
adelphia county, along the Delaware river. The Wheat 
Sheaf was the name of an inn.] Miss Wessell afterwards 
became the wife of Major Potts. The following is a copy 
of the letter. 

Trentown, August the 3, 1776. 
Miss Sally. We arrived all well and in good spirits in 
this Town, and I hope this may find you all the same. 
We are to march from here on Monday or Tuesday at 
farthest. I have given over the notion of going in the 
flying Camp. We are stationed in a commodious Church 
in this Town. I cannot tell where we are to be stationed 
when we leave this Town. I have nothing strange to 
send, but my best wishes to you and my good friends. 
I expect to have opportunitys to write often, so no more 
this time. From your sincere friend and well wisher. 

James Potts. 



Major yames Potts. 13 

The first official paper of any importance is a Lieuten- 
ant's commission. The following is a copy of it. The 
Italics indicate the parts written with a pen in the body 
of the commission. 

"In CONVENTION for the State oi PE^^^SY1.VANIA. 

To James Potts, Gentltman, Sept. the 8th, 1776. 
WJ^ repofmg efpecial Truft and Confidence in your Pa- 
^^ triotifm, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO, by thefe 
prefents, conftitute and appoint you to be Second Lievten- 
ant of a Company of Foot in Colonel 7ohn Moore's Battal- 
ion of Philadelphia County in the Flying Camp for the 
Middle States of America, for the Prote6lion of the faid 
States againft all hoftile Enterprizes, and for the Defence 
and eftablifhing of American Liberty. You are therefore 
carefully and diligently to difcharge the Duty of Second 
Lievtenant as aforesaid by doing and performing all Man- 
ner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do ftri6tly 
charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your 
Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Second Lievten- 
ant. And you are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and 
Directions, as you fhall receive from the Convention du- 
ring their Seffions, from the Government now eftablifhing, 
or from the Council of Safety for this State, or any other 
your fuperior Officers, according to the Rules and Difci- 
pline of War, in Purfuance of the Truft repofed in you. 
This Commiffion to continue in Force until revoked by 
the Government now eftablifhing for this State, the Council 
of Safety, or by this or any fucceeding ("onvention. 
By order of the Convention, 

B. Franklin, Presid.'^ 



14 Biographical Sketch of 

Whether this was the first Commission issued to James 
Potts, the writer has found no means of certainly knowino^, 
but from the letter of August 3rd, given on page 12, it is 
very evident that he was in the army prior to the date of 
this commission. It is also evident that he had reconsid- 
ed his former derision not to go into the Flying Camp, as 
stated in that letter. 

I have in ray possession two parchment pouches, which 
were made out of an old drum-head by Lieut. ]t^otts while in 
camp at Trenton, New Jersey, for the purpose of holding 
his papers in. One is nine inches long by three and a 
half inches wide; and the other, four and a half inches 
long by three and three quarters wide. To the latter is 
attached a silk ribbon, probably for the purpose of wearing 
around the neck. These pouches were still filled with pa- 
pers when they fell into my possession five or six years 
ago. 

The next paper in the order of date is a furlough or 
leave-of-absence as follows : 

"pERMIT Lieut. James Potts 

To pafs to Philadelphia County., he having Leave of absence 
for eight days. GIVEN at Head Quarters, Amboy, 

October the /5, 1776. 

David Ross, 
Brigade Major''' 

This leave of absence being for eight days, would expire 
on the 2ist. On the 23rd of October are dated two 
letters. To whom the following was addressed I have no 
means of determining. 



Major y antes Foffs. 15 

"Newark, October 2yc\, 1776. 
Dear Friend. I cannot miss so good an opportunity of 
informing you of my arrival in good health at this place 
and hope you are all the same. I expect we shall go from 
here soon but I cannot tell when. I have nothing note- 
worthy to write of at present, but 1 shall not miss any 
opportunity to write that may offer. On my return I 
found our people in good health, thanks be to God for his 
mercy. I shall be glad to hear from you as often as may 
suit. Please remember my love to all inquiring friends. 
No more at present from 

Your faithful friend, 

James Potts." 

The other letter of this date is addressed to Miss Sal- 
ly Wessell. It is so much defaced as to make it quite 
difficult to decipher it. In several places pieces are worn 
or torn out so that words are missing. The following is as 
correct a copy as it seems possible to reproduce — the mis- 
sing words being supplied where the context made them 
evident. 

"Newark, Octob. the 23rd, 1776. 
My Dearest Sally. I thought I should be to blame if 
I did not send you a few lines, to inform you of my present 
situation. I arrived at this Place in good health, hoping 
this may find you the same for which I am not wanting in 
prayers for you day and night. I am not without a sensi- 
ble feeling for your sufferings on my account and hope to 
merit your prayers to have God to spare my life however 
* * it shall be my latest endeavour to deserve your 
good will. I hope all the designs of my enemys may be 



1 6 Biographical Sketch of 

frustrated and that we may eniov many days with more 
satisfaction than our enemys. I should be glad to hear of 
your wellfan' whenever anv opportunity should offer. 
Please remember me to all inquiring friends. 
From your faithful friend and great admirer, 
To Miss Sally Wessell. James Potts." 

The following letter is dated at Fort Lee, which was sit- 
uated on the west side of the Hudson river, in the town of 
Hackensack, Piergen county, New Jersey, and about ten 
miles above New York City. The letter is addressed "To 
Hannah Wessell in Oxford Township." 

"November 7th, 1776 Camp at Fort Lee. 

Respected Friend I can only inform you I am in good 
health, through mercy, thank God for his goodness, praying 
this may find you the same. I should be glad to hear from 
you. It gives me great pleasure you must think, being so 
far from home and I believe will soon be farther, I wrote 
you a letter the first of this month. I have not heard 
whether you got it or not. It was enclosed in one I sent 
to my fiither. I received one from him last night. It does 
not mention anything about it. I beg you will neglect no 
opportunity that may offer of letting me know how you are 
as my affections are entirely in your family it is n great sat- 
isfaction to me. Be pleased to give my love to Andrew, 
John and Patty Keen and to Billy and Edmund Peart. 
I must conclude with my best wishes and hearty prayers 
for you all, hoping I may yet see you all. Adieu. 

From your trusty friend and well wisher 

James Potts. 

Be pleased to direct your letters this way. 'To Lieut. 



M'ljor yamrs Potts. 17 

James Potts in Col. John Moore's Battalion of Philadel- 
phia County Flying Camp.' " 

On the outside of the same sheet he seems to have com- 
menced a letter to his father but having omitted part of a 
sentence, scratched it out with a pen after he had written 
three or four lines. It reads as follows : 

" Camp at Fort Lee. 
Honored Parent. I have an opportunity We arrived 
at this place on the 2nd of this month, all in good health 
and I believe we shall cross the North River soon." 

From general history, w'e learn that the forces in camp 
at Fort Lee, were under the command of General Nathan- 
iel Greene. The main body of the army under General 
Washington, after being defeated on the 28th of October, 
at White Plains on the orher side of the river, and some 
eight" or ten miles north-east of Fort Lee, retreated to the 
heights of North Castle, about five miles farther north on 
the night of the 31st of October. 

General Howe, commander of the British troops, dis- 
continued his pursuit in that direction and turned his at- 
tention to the American posts on the Hudson, with the 
apparent design of penetrating New Jersey. Washington 
therefore, anticipating his design, crossed the Hudson and 
jomed General Greene at Fort Lee. This juncture must 
have been formed within a day or two after the letter given 
on page 16 was written. 

On November 16th, the British attacked Fort Washing- 
ton on Manhattan Island on the other side of the river from 
Fort Lee and about three miles above it, and forced the 



1 8 Biogrnphrral Sketch of 

garrison to surrender. On the 20th, the British under 
Cornwallis crossed the Hudson at Dobbs P'erry, some ten 
or twelve miles above Fort Lee, and proceeded against that 
Fort, the garrison of which only saved themselves by a 
hasty retreat, losing, however, all their baggage and milita- 
ry stores. 

Now commenced a series of reverses to the American 
army which made :he next five or six weeks the darkest of 
the war. Newark, New Brunswick and Trenton, succs 
sively fell into the hands of the enemy, and there seemed 
to be nothing to prevent the British from a speedy occupa- 
tion of the city of Philadelphia. So rapidly had the 
pursuit been urged that the rear of our army was fre- 
quently within sight and shot of the enemy's van. The 
bold and victorious attack made by Washington at Trenton, 
upon the night of the 25th of December, I/76, was the 
turning point in the great struggle and so reassured the 
people, that the army, which had become decimated, was 
suddenly increased to quite formidable dimensions. 

Beyond the fact that young Potts was with the army 
during this memorable retreat and was at the surprise at 
Trenton, nothing now remains from which a detailed ac- 
connt of his experience and actions during those unhappy 
weeks, can be drawn. 

The next record we have of any action in the life of 
Lieut. Potts is one of a very tender and interesting char- 
acter. On the 22nd day of March, 1777, he married Miss 
Sarah VVessell, daughter ol John and Hannah (Wells) 
Wessell of Philadelphia county. At the time of their 
marriage, Lieut. Potts was twenty-five years of age and 
Miss Wessell in her nineteenth year. 



Major jfames Potts. 19 

The following is a copy of a commission issued to James 
Potts, bearing date of May 12th, 1777. 

"In the Name and by the Authority of the FREEMEN 

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
The SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 
of the faid Commonwealth, 
To 'James Potts, Gentleman, 
Al TE, repofmg efpecia! Truft and Confidence in your 
Patriotifm, Valour, Condu6t and Fidelity, DO, by 
thefe Prefents, conftitute and appoint you to be Second 
Lieutena7it of a Company of Foot in the Third Battalion of 
Militia, in the County of Philadelphia. You are therefore 
carefully and dilio^ently to difcharge the Duty of Seiond 
Lieictenaiit by doing and performing all Manner of Things 
thereunto belonging. And We do ftridly charge and re- 
quire all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be 
obedient to your Orders as Second Lieutenant. And you 
are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and Directions as 
you fhall from I'ime to Time receive from the Supreme 
Executive Council of this Commonwealth, or from your 
fuperior Officers, according to the Rules and Difcipline of 
War; and in the purfuance of the A6ts of Affembly of this 
State. This commiffion to continue in Force until your 
Term, by the laws of this State, fhall of Courfe expire. 
GIVEN under the leffer Seal of the Commonwealth, at 
Philadelphia, this Twelfth Day oi May in the Year of 
our Lord One Thoufand Seven Hundred and Seventy 
Seven. 
No. 2. Attest. Tho Wharton jun Prest 

T. Matlock Secy " 



20 Biographical Sketch of 

The following certificate of oath of allegiance next 
appears. 

"1 DO hereby Cp:rtify. that James Potts of Oxford Town- 
ship Fhila. County Hath voluntarily taken and fubfcribed 
the OA'I'H of Allegiance and P^idelity, as dire6ted by an 
ACT of Gtneral Affembly of Pennfylvania, paffed the 13th 
day of June, A. D 1777. ^Vitne^s my hand and feal, the 
Seeond day of July A. D. 1771 . 
(l. s.) John Knowles" 

Lieut. Potts was engaged in the battle of Germantown 
on the 4th of October, 1777. As this was within the vi- 
cinity of his home, his wife and nearest kindred were com- 
pelled to experience the terrible ordeal of listening to the 
horrible din and roar of the battle, with the perfect knowl- 
edge that a dear friend was in the midst of carnage, and 
might at any moment be suifering the pangs of terrible 
wounds or lying a mangled corpse. But notwithstanding 
the great loss to the American forces, he came out unharm- 
ed. Mrs. Margaret (Wessell) Watson, sister of Mrs. Potts, 
then only eight or nine years of age, and who died in Phil- 
adelphia in 1862 at the age of ninety four, always retained 
a vivid remembrance of that dreadful day and used fre- 
quently to relate her recollections and experience of the 
battle. 

Although no documents remain to show, yet there is 
little doubt that Lieut. Potts was also at the battle of Bran- 
dy wine which took place a few weeks before. The army 
under Washington had abandoned operations in New Jer- 
sey and after passing through Philadelphia, took up a 



Major yarms Potts. 21 

position on the Br.mdywine at Chad's Ford for 'hepiirjDOse 
of harassing the advance of the British from the Chesapeake 
to the City of Philadelphia. The engagement took place 
on the nth of September. On the next day after the de- 
feat, the two armies again came within sight of each other 
near the Warren tavern, but after a little skirmishing, a 
heavy rain set in, and the Americans finding their powder 
wet, retreated to Warrick furnace. 

During his absence in the army after his marriage, his 
young wife for greater protection, resided at the house of 
her fother-in-law, Samuel Potts, who kept an inn. This 
was probably the " Rising Sun Tavern" in Oxford township, 
Philadelphia county, as in the record of births in 1778 and 
again in 1780, mention is made of this place. Upon one 
occasion when he had a leave-of-absence from the army, 
he went to his father's house on a visit, and upon arriving, 
left his horse and chaise standing at the door. In the 
course of a few minutes, a company of British soldiers 
came up and seeing the horse and vehicle, immediately 
surrounded the premises and instituted search, suspecting 
the presence of the young patriot officer. When the fam- 
ily were asked "Is Mr. James Potts at home?" they evad- 
ed a direct reply, and to account for the presence of the 
horse and chaise, said they were about to send to the city 
upon a shopping errand for the house. Not being satisfied 
with the answers, a most rigid search of the entire premises 
was at once carried out. 

In the meantime young Potts, having no other means of 
escape, made his way to the attic and concealed himself in 
a dark recess behind a low partition separating the attic 
from the eaves of the roof. This proved to be quite a safe 



2 2 Biographical Sketch of 

hidings place, as the soldiers either did not discover it or 
failed to see him in the darkness. During the presence of 
the soldiers, some membets of the family persisted in 
frequently going up stairs to assure themselves of his safe- 
ty, when he begged them " for God's sake to keep away and 
not arouse any suspicion of his where-abouts." The sol- 
diers searched in vain, but to make sure that he was not 
concealed in any of the beds, they thrust their swords 
through them, cutting them up so badly as to render them 
almost beyond repair. 

There is one paper that is much worn by age, having 
several holes in it where it has been folded. I have sup- 
plied the missing words as 1 believe to be correct. In the 
following copy the missing words are printed in Italics in 
order to distinguish them from those that remain legible. 
The month and year of the date are also gone, but it is 
quite probable that the order was given about the year 1777. 

"To Lieut. James Potts of 

Oxford Township, 

Sir You are hereby authorized by the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania to collect as pzany bla?ikets from the Inhabit- 
ants of your District as you can. Yoii are also desired to 
receive no blankets but such as are suitable for field use, 
and when collected you are to appoint three Freeholders to 
appraise and fix the Value of each Blanket in order that 
Owners may receive \)ay?nent for the same 

Given under my hand this 29th day of 

Benjamin McVeagh 

Comm " 



Major Janii^s Potts. 



23 



The following memoranda of money collected next appears. 



"Oxford, Septr. 9th, 1778. 
A Return of those Persons who have paid iheir Substitute 
money in the second and third Classes of Militia in Cap- 
tains Dungans and Harpers Companys in Col. McVeaghs 
Regt. Collected by James Potts. 



SECOND CLASS 



Alexander Edwards 
William Buzby 
James Glan 
James Wilson 

THIKD CLASS 

John Adis 
Mosses Grub 
Isaiah Worrell . 
John Roberts 
Isaac Buzby 
Nathan Whitma.i . 
William Eve 
Jacob Castor 
William McMutry 









SUBSTITTTK 




PINES 


MO 


NEY 


I 


12 


6 


23 





I 


12 


6 


23 





I 












I 


7 


6 








5 


6 


23 







12 


6 


23 







12 


6 


23 







12 


6 


23 







12 


6 


23 







12 


6 


23 







12 


6 


23 
23 






I 


7 


6 


23 





7 





6 


253 
17 




6 



Total 



270 o 6 



The following paper appears with the corner containing 
the year of the date torn off. 



24 Biographical Sketch of 

" Pennsylvania, ss. 

In General Assembly November 

To James I^otts, 
You are hereby Commanded to appear before the General 
Assembly on Tuesday the twenty seventh Day of Novem- 
ber instant at ten oClock in the forenoon to answer such 
Questions as vou shall be asked relative to the late Elec- 
tion for Members of Assembh' for the County of Philadel- 
phia and hereof fail not at your peril. 

By Order of the House. 
Fredk. a. Muhlenberg, Speaker." 

On the back of this summons is the following address, 
*'Co! McVeagh Battalion Near the Old Sheaf Wheat Tav- 
ern Bristol Road." 

From an examination of the calendar and the minutes 
of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, it is evident 
that this summons was issued in the year 1781. 

From the Archives of the State it appears that, on the 
loth of November, 1781, a complaint of the citizens .of 
Philadelphia county was laid before the Assembly regard- 
ing the election in the said county. The complainants 
stated that "upon the 8tli day of October, a part of the 
militia marched under the command of Col. Bitting to 
Wentz's tavern and the remainder of them under Col. 
M'Vaugh for Germantown, at which place the said elec- 
tions were held, and before their arrival there the said 
tickets were delivered them by the said Cols, and by their 
orders "etc. 

On the 1 2th of November, the consideration of the com- 
plaint was made the order of the day for Tuesday the 27 th, 



Major y antes Potts. 25 

and the Speaker of the House, (F. A. Muhlenbercj,) direct- 
ed to summon persons to testify before the House on 
that day. The case was postponed from day to day on 
account of the non-attendance of witnesses. Several wit- 
nesses were examined before the House, whose names are 
given, but Potts's name does not appear among them. 
From the evident reluctance of the witnesses to appear, it 
would seem as though the investigation was obnoxious to 
them. The examination was finally remitted to a commit- 
tee who heard the testimony and reported to the House 
the general result of the investigation. The case was 
finally disposed of by the House on the 8th of April 1782. 
Beside those given on pages 23 and 24, 1 have found no 
other papers between the years of 1777 and 1783, except 
the following entries in an old orderly book. 

County of Phil^ to James Potts Dr. 

1780 To Serving Col. McVeigh's BatU as Adju- 

tant . . . . . o 15 o 

1 78 1 To 2 days serving " . . o 15 o 

1782 To Ditto 2 Days . . . . o 15 o 

There were doubtless many other papers relating to the 
Revolution, but whatever may have been their importance, 
they do not seem to have been preserved, at least I have 
not been able to find them. From my earliest recollection, 
I had been led to believe that James Potts had held a 
commission as Major during the war, but the absence of 
any documentary evidence among his papers, would seem 
to place the matter in some doubt. It is possible that his 
subsequent promotion to Major may have been confounded 
with his active service in the war. 



26 Biographical Sketch of 

A few years ago, the writer accidentally discovered a 
commission in the office of the Secretary of the Common- 
wealth at Harrisburg, dated April 6th, 1776. appointing 
James Potts, Esquire, "Major of the Battalion of Musket- 
ry in the service of this Province." Attached to this com- 
mission is the resignation of Major Potts, bearing date of 
July iTth, 1776, at Pliiladelphia. I then supposed that 
the commission and resignation related to the subject of 
this Sketch, but 1 have found nothing to positively verify 
this supposition. Sufficient facts may yet be developed 
to make the case clear. 

Among the papers, are four Captain's commissions. 
The following is a copy of the first one, bearing date of 
May 1st, 1783. 

"In the Name and by the Authoritv of the P^REEMEN 

of the Commonwealth of Pennsyhania^ 
The S U P R E ME EX E C U P I V E COUNCIL 
of the faid Commonwealth, 
To Jaines JWts Esquire 
A^T'E, repofing efpecial Truft and Confidence in your 
Patriotifm, Valour, Conduct and iMdelity, DO, by 
thefe Prefents, conftitute and appoint you to be Captain 
of a Company of foot in the First Battalion of 

Militia, in the County of Philadelphia. You are therefore 
carefully and diligently to difcharge the Duty of Cap 
tain by doing and performing all Manner of Things 

thereunto belonging. And We do ftri^lly charge and re- 
quire all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be 
obedient to your Orders as Captain And you 

are to obferve and follow fuch Orders and Directions as 



Major James Potts. 27 

you fhall from Time to Time receive from the Supreme 
Executive Council of this Commonwealth, or from your 
fuperior Officers, according to the Rules and DifcipHne of 
War, and in the purfuance of the Acts of Affembly of this 
State. This commiffion to continue in Force until your 
Term, by the laws of this State, fhall of Courfe expire, 
GIVEN in Council; under the hand of the /^/(-s-Prefident, 
and the leffer Seal of the State, at Philadelphia, 
this first Day of May in the Year of our Lord One 
Thoufand Seven Hundred and eighty three. 
No 6. Attest 

James Trimble for John Armstrong jun Sec'ry" 

This commission is signed by the Vice President of the 
Supreme Executive Council of the State, James Ewing, 
which is written in the upper part of the left hand margin 
under the seal. 

The second of these commissions is dated at Philadel- 
phia, the first day of May, one thousand seven hundred 
and eighty six, appointing "James Potts, Esquire," to be 
" Captain of the first Company of foot in the first Battalion 
of Militia in the County of Philadelphia." It is signed by 
Cha, Biddle, the Vice President of the Supreme Exec- 
utive Council of the State and attested by "James Trimble 
for John Armstrong junr. Secy." The State Coat-of-Arms 
appears upon this commission. 

The third of these commissions is dated at Philadelphia, 
the first day of May, one thousand eight hundred and eigh- 
ty nine, appointing "James Potts, Esquire," to be "Cap- 
tain of a Company of Infantry in the second Battalion of 



2 8 Biographical Sketch of 

Militia in the County of Philadelphia." It is signed by 
Tho. Mifflin, President of the Supreme Executive Council 
of the Commonwealth, and attested by James Trimble for 
Charles Biddle Sec'ry. 

The fourth of these commissions is dated at Lancaster, 
the second day of August, one thousand eight hundred, 
and sets forth that "James Potts of the County of Philadel- 
phia," being duly elected, is "commissioned Captain of the 
Light Infantry Company attached to the first Battalion in 
the Eightieth Regiment of the Militia of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, the second Brigade of the first 
Division composed of the Militia of the City and County 
of Philadelphia," for a term of seven years. It is signed 
by the Governor, Thos. M:Kean, and attested by James 
Trimble, Deputy Sec'ry. 

Bearing date of September 13th, 1802, is the following 
certificate of election : 



"The Commonw^ealth of Pennsylvania, 
Philad. County, Ss. 

These are to certify that you have been duly elected and 
returned Major of the 2nd Battalion, 80th Regt. Pennsyl- 
vania Militia at an election held this day at the House of 
Robert Hamilton at Frankford. You will be commission- 
ed to that office and you are to take upon you the duties of 
said office from this date. 

Witness my hand at Frankford, Sep. 13th, 1802. 

Fred*^ Wulbert; Brigade Insp. 

James Potts, Esq." 



Major y nines Potts. 29 

The following is a copy of the next and last commission 
in my possession. 

"In the Name, and by the Authority of the Commonwealth 

of Pennfylvania, 

THOMAS McKEAN, Governor 

of the faid Commonweath, 

To yames Potts of the County of Philadelphia^ Greeting: 

f ,^- .J Z "Y ^ JS^NOW, That you, the faid yames 
fv/^f't ^ \ji' /^^//i", (being duly ele6ted and returned) 

-^^--..^C-^. i:r_„^„X. are hereby commiffioned Major of the 
Second Battalion in the Eightieth Regiment of the Militia 
of the Commonwealth of Pennfylvania, in the Second Brig- 
ade of the jirst Divifion compofed of the Militia of the 
county of and city of Philadelphia. To have and to hold 
this Commiffion, exercifing all the powers, and difcharging 
all the duties thereto lawfully belonging and attached, for 
the term of feven years, from the second day of August 1800 
if you fhall fo long behave yourfelf well. 

In Testimony whereof, I have fet my Hand, and 
caufed the Less Seal, of the State to be affixed to 
thefe Prefents, at Lancafter, the thirteenth day of 
September in the year of our Lord one thoufand 
eight hundred &= two., and of the Commonwealth 
the \yN^x\\.-^-seve?ith. 
By the Governor, 

T. M. Thompson, Sec." 

The signature of the Governor, Thos. M : Kean, is writ- 
ten in the ujDper left hand margin above the seal. 



30 Biographical Sketch of 

Beside the papers already given or referred to, I have 
a large number of others, consisting of muster rolls, let- 
ters, orders, etc. The most important of these will be 
found in the Appendix attached to this Sketch. 

The three following papers are not without interest. 
The first is a notice of election to membership in the Dem- 
ocratic Society. 

"Philadelphia, June 5th, 1794. 
CITIZEN, 



T 



A K E notice, that you have been duly ele6ted 
a Member of the Democratic Society of Pennsylvania, held 
in the City of Philadelphia ; and that you are requested 
to attend at the next meeting, at such place as shall be 
notified in the public papers, for the purpose of subscrib- 
ing the (Constitution. 

Geo. Booth, Secretary. 
To Citizen James Potts." 

The second paper has the following address on the back : 
" From John Cope To Citizen James Potts." The con- 
tents are, as follows: 

"July 30. 1799 
BROTHER, 

You are requested to attend a meeting of the TAM- 
MANY SOCIETY, or COLUMBIAN ORDER, to be 
held at No. ^t^ N. South Street, on Thursday next at the 
going down of the sun, 

By order of the Society, 

Daniel Groves, Secretary." 



Major yames Potts. 31 

The third paper reads as follows: 

"Sir: — I am diredled by the Tamany Society or Colum- 
bian Order, to inform you that your having been elected a 
member of the said Society some months past, it is neces- 
sary, if you wish to be considered as a member, that 
you attend at the next stated meeting which will be held at 
the Sign of Columbus, No. 85 Race Street, on Thursday 
evening, the ist Jan^ 1801. Otherwise your name will be 
erased from their lists. 

I am sir, your humble servt. 

Andrp:w Geysers, Junr. Secty. 
to the 
Tamany Society or Columbian Order. 
Philad^ 15, 1800. 

Mr. James Potts." 

The Tammany Society or Columbian Order, was a soci- 
ety which grew out of certain customs and practices of the 
Pennsylvania troops during the Revolutionary war, and 
was named in the double honor of Tamane or Tamanend, 
a fabulous Indian sachem of great fame, and Christopher 
Columbus, the discoverer of the new world. The original 
object of the society was chiefly festivity. It eventually 
culminated in the famous and powerful modern Tammany 
Society which has its wigwam in New York City. 

He was a great admirer of Thomas Jefferson and of 
the political views, which that eminent patriot held and 
advocated. This is evidenced in the following note ap- 
pended to the record of the birth of his youngest son — 
Thomas Jefferson Potts: "He was so named in honor of 



32 Biographical Sketch of 

Thomas Jefferson, one the Signers of the Declaration of 
Independence, and at all times an illustrious defender of 
the rights and liberties of America." 

He was at one time napied by his friends and neighbors 
as a suitable person to represent them in the councils of 
the state, but he was too modest to advocate his own 
claims in opposition to more ambitious and self laudatory 
aspirants, and in consequence was not honored with a 
position he was so well fitted to fill with credit to himself 
and his constituents, and to which his arduous services had 
entitled him. 

Major Potts was a man of very modest disposition and 
was rather inclined to withdraw himself from the society 
of his more wealthy and aristocratic kinsmen, than to place 
himself in the way of their favors. His half brother, John 
Ashmead, a noted sea Captain — the hero of a hundred 
voyages — often chided him because he did not visit him 
more frequently. He was, however, always on the most 
intimate terms with his cousin Judge Jacob Rush, LL. D.,* 
and between them a lifelong friendship was maintained. 
Judge Rush was a younger brother of Dr. Benjamin Rush,t 
an eminent physician of Philadelphia, and one of the sign- 
ers of the Declaration of Independence. 

For many years, Major Potts had it in mind to purchase 
a farm somewhere in the country farther from the city. 



* For a Sketch ot the life ot Jacob Rush, LL. D., ^ee lAi-en of Eminent 
PhUadelphians, p. 851. 

+ Foi- Sketch of the life of Dr. Benjamin Rush, see Uves of Eminent 
PhUadelphians, p. 94% Lossin^^'s Livefi of the Signer,s of the Declaration 
of hidependence, p 99, and other works. 



Major jfames Potts. ;j3 

With a view to find^some location suited to his taste, he 
made several prospecting tours through the surrounding 
counties, and was generally accompanied by his friend the 
Judge. One of these journeys was made to Muncy valley 
and another to Chester county. As both of these gen-tle- 
men dressed in the old Continental style, with cocked 
hats, knee breeches, etc., they attracted considerable at- 
tention in their travels. I have heard my father relate 
that during their journey to Chester county, they stopped 
over night at a tavern at a place now called Youngsville, 
on the Strasburg and Westchester road. Judge Rush 
being a man of jovial disposition, made considerable sport 
at the expense of an Irish hostler which put him in a very 
bad humor to the great amusement of the bystanders. 
The hostler was, however, greatly pleased with the modest 
demeanor of the Major, and manifested a willingness to 
render him every attention in his power. 

On the back of a letter, which bears date of February 
14th, 1787, is the memorandum of expenses of a journey 
to Lykens valley. As the letter bears 'evidence of having 
been carried in the pocket for some time, it is very likely 
that the journey was made during the spring of that year 
and that this letter, still being in the pocket, happened to 
be the most convenient thing to note the list of expenses 
on. The memorandum is headed, "An account of Expen- 
ses on our Journey," It seems quite probable that this 
journey was made in company with one David Derrickson, 
as part of the items of expenses are charged, sometimes 
to David and sometimes to Derrickson. Derrickson's 
name will be found in some of the papers given in the 
Appendix. The following is a copy of the memorandum. 



3*4 Biographical Sketch of 





An Account of Expenses on our 


Journey. 




Miles 


13 Sheers Tavern 





6 D 




23 Clines Ditto 


I 


P 




30 Boyers Do. . . . . 


• 5 


6DP 




46 Private House 








4 Above Reading Sinking Spring ' 


Tavern 


6 P 




12 Do. Spread Eagle Tavern . 


7 







David paid to the Carpenter . 


2 


10 




James Potts Ditto 





II 




13 Williams Store 


. 8 


9 




at Ditto for Ots 


I 


2 P 




55 In Likens Valley 








Potts paid .... 


3 


9 




Derrickson Do . . . 


2 


3 




Ditto .... 





5 




Potts Williams Store 


• 4 


4 


D 


Adam Weglee Tavern 





6 


P 


Tulpehocken Creek 





9 


D 


Red Lion Tavern 
Oats I Bushel mine 
David I Ditto 


■ 


9 



On another blank page is the following: "To Likens 
Valley turn to the Left hand on the Broad Montain." Be- 
low this is found the following additional memorandum. 

D ferry over Scuylkill . . . . .16 

P Potts Grove 11 

P Ditto 50 

D Ditto over Manatawny . . . . 05 

D Klines 06 



Major James Potts, 35 

In another place is the following note: "at the Junktion 
of Point Creek & Deep run on the Shamokin road George 
Layers Land." There are beside, several names which may 
be those of land owners who had farms for sale. They are 
the following: "Peter Reglee," "Ludrick Scheets," "Cole- 
man," "George Teeter," "Conselman," "Stutsman," and 
"Jacob Wenger." 

In this connection it will be well to give the letter it- 
self On the outside it is addressed to Capt. James Potts. 

"Frankford, Feby 14th, 1787. 
Dear Sir, 

I have to inform you of a Meeting to be held to- 
morrow^ in the afternoon at 2 O'Clock in Germintown at 
the House of Winwood Niu, concerning the Militia Law. 
Should be glad you would attend. Captn. Burrows & Mr. 
Niff will be glad of your Company, and as for myself it is 
Impossible for me to attend as I am preingaged ; I promis- 
ed Coll. Holgate that I should be there, but did not think 
of my ingagement. 1 thought I should be short of my du- 
ty, if I did not Write you on the Occasion. 
Yours, &c. 

Isaac Worrell. 
Capt. Potts." 

He finally decided to remove to Chester county, Penn- 
sylvania, which he did in the year 1808. He settled in 
West Fallowfield (now Highland) township. He first re- 
sided upon a rented farm known as "Bell's Plantation," 
afterwards the property of Joshua and James Hartshorn. 
After a short residence at this place, he removed to his 



:^6 Biographical Sketch of 

own farm, about three miles north of this and two miles 
south of the " Fountain Inn " which was situated within 
the limits of the present borough of Parkesburg on the 
Pennsylvania Railroad. This farm is situated a short dis- 
tance west of the "Limestone Road," and was afterwards 
owned and occupied by James Fearon, Wilson Hershberg- 
er, and others. For this farm he exchanged two houses in 
Frankford, Philadelphia county, in part payment. He gave 
considerable attention to the culture of peaches, having 
a large and productive orchard. He frequently hauled 
them to Philadelphia in a wagon where he found a profit- 
able market. 

The Major's house was a very popular place of visita- 
tion by the Philadelphia relatives, and especially by the 
younger members of the families ; and in return the mem- 
bers of the Major's household made frequent visits to 
their city friends. This intimacy was kept up for many 
years — the great delight of the city cousins, being to visit 
at Uncle Potts's. Of the many cousins who were then so 
intimate, but four remain at this writing, and they are ei- 
ther above or verging on four score years of age. 

It is worthy 6{ note, in this place, that this farm was 
part of a large tract of land taken up by warrant by Ar- 
thur Park, who came from Ballylagby, in the county Don- 
egal, Ireland, prior to the year 1724. He (Park) probably 
built the homestead, as he died there in 1740 The man- 
sion is still standing, and is built of logs, consisting of a 
main building and a wing extension occupied as a kitchen. 
In this kitchen is an ancient fire-place of huge dimensions, 
as large as a dozen modern ones. In the time of Major 
Potts, he had, during the summer time, a board partition 



Major yames Potfs. 37 

erected in front with a door openinij; into it, thus forming a 
side room of no small dimensions, and which during the 
warm season was used as a lumber room, and sometimes 
even as a place in which to do considerable Work apper- 
taining to the household. This house is in all probability 
the oldest homestead now remaining in this section of the 
country. 

Being by trade a blacksmith, be erected a small shop 
near the house, in which he did such smithing as was 
needed about the farm. 

Major James and Sarah (Wessell) Potts were blessed 
with twelve children — six sons and six daughters. They 
were as follows : * 

1 Rachel Potts, born, 1778; died, 1861 ; married, 1802, 

Eneas Hughs; six children. 

2 David Potts, born, 1779; died, 1779. ] 

3 Daniel Potts, born, 1779 ; died, 1779. \ Triplets. 

4 John Rush Potts, born, 1779 ; died, 1779. J 

5 Hannah Potts, born, 1780; died, 1789. 

6 James Wessell Potts, born, 1782; died, 1859; mar- 

ried, 1812, Margaret Stroud; eight children. 

7 Ann Potts, born, 1786; died, 1867; married, 1816, 

Thomas Mclntire ; six children. 

8 Eliza Potts, born, 1787 ; died, 1856; single. 

9 Samuel Potts, born, 1790; died, 1823 ; married, 

Margaret Sheaffer; two children. 



* For a detailed account of the Potts Family, see Genealogy of t lie De- 
scendants of Daniel Potts, by the author, MS. 



37 Biographical Sketch 

10 Hannah Potts, born, 1792 ; died, 1875 ; married, 1834, 

Isaac D. Tarrance ; no issue. 

11 Sarah Potts, born, 1795; <^l'ed, 1846; married, 1829, 

Joseph Tarrance ; no issue. 

12 Thomas Jekferson Potts, born, 1798 ; married, 1835, 

Margaret Carter ; seven children. 

Major Potts died on Sunday the 28th of July, at 40 
minutes after two o'clock, p. m., in the year of our Lord, 
1822, after a severe illness of ten days, which he bore with 
Christian fortitude He was aged 70 years and i month. 
He died honored and respected by all who knew him. 
His remains were interred in the Grave Yard of the Upper 
Octorara Presbyterian Church in Sadsbury township, Ches- 
ter county, Pennsylvania. A plain marble slab marks the 
spot where his ashes repose, upon which is carved the fol- 
lowing inscription : 

In 

Memory of 

JAMES POTTS 

who departed this life 

July 28th A. D. 1822 

in the 7 ist year of his age. 

Sarah (Wessell) Potts survived her husband eleven years 
and died in 1833 i^^ the 75th year of her age. 



APPENDIX. 



APPENDIX. 



■ LSiEidLl^j 

Beside the papers ^ivcn in this appendix, there are two 
other relics that deserve mention. The sword carried by 
Major Potts, during his service in the Revolution, was be- 
queathed to his grandson and namesake, James Potts, now 
and for many years past a resident of Lancaster, Pa. One 
of the epaulets worn by him is in the possession of the 
author. 

In giving the following copies of letters, and other pa- 
pers of Major Potts, the orthography and punctuation found 
in the original, have been followed as closely as possible. 

LETTERS 



Sir: Please to deliver to Capt° James Potts or Order, 
all the Arms &c that was left by the Militia of the County 
of Philad. at New Town, which will Oblige Sir your Hum- 
ble Servant Wm. Coats, Lieut C. P. 

Philad. County. October 29th, 1783. 

Mr. Hart, Treasurer of the County of Bucks. 



4 2 Appendix. — Letters. 

On the outside of the following letter is the address, 
"Captain James Potts" 

Sir: Coll Coats will deliver the arms tomorow, at my 
Request he is to wate at Home tor that purpose till 12. O,- 
Clock. Capt"^ Potts and Heaton will be so good as to at- 
tend to their promis. I will do myself the pleasure to go 
with them on that business. Your sending word to Capl° 
Heaton will be Required — fetch your Drums along if you 
please 1 will endeavour to get them Exchanged for new. 
with kespec^ yours &c 

Frankford, April 24lh 88 Isaac Worrell. 

Capt° Potts. 



Sir, as it is Requested that the diferent Light Compa- 
nys apear on the parade with the Standard of their Respec- 
tive Regiments. J think it will sett of your Company 
and also inlarge it to have ours, with the Ensign of Capt" 
Dearmans Company to bear it as he is in uniform. I have 
sent a verbel Request to Capt" Dearman by his wife, Re- 
questing his attendance and officers in uniform — if Capt^ 
Potts will be so good as to send or go for it & at the same 
time Request Ensign Shearer to attend with it — or perhaps 
Capt^ Dearman will interceed and iform them it is my par- 
ticular Request. I have had no oportunity as yet to send 
Liutan^ Dyer word for his early attendance. Should you 
have an oportunity let him know if you can. With Respect 
yours &c. Isaac Worrell. 

Thursday morn 9 oClock. 
Capt" Potts. July 3. 88. 



Appcru/tx . — loiters. 43 

Phli.ad^ CoirNTY, Nov. 13th, 1790.. 

Sir. I do hereby request you will please to bring in your 
Returns of Absentees as quick as possible, which if not 
Comply'd with, I shall be under the disaoreeable Necessity 
of putting the Militia Laws of this State in force against 
you. I am Sir Your lUr® Serv* 

Capt" James Potts. Wnv Coats, Lieut. Cs. 



Frankford, March 5th, 1791. 

Sir In consequence of a Circular Letter, from the Gov- 
ernor, inclosed to me by the Lieutenant, of the County, I 
am requested to make an imediate return of the arms and 
acoutrements in my Battalion. 

Therefore you are hereby requested to make a return to 
me on or before the 15th Instant of all the arms and acou- 
trements belonging to your Company and the state & Con- 
dition they are in. 

I am sir with respect yours &C- 

IsAAC Worrell, Col. 

Capt° James Potts. 2nd Batt" P. C. M. 



Sfr, Genera! Morgan ^ Major Kerr will meet the offi- 
cers of our Battalion on Monday next at 2 0<J!!ock P. M. 
at the Jolly port in PVankford at which time & place your 
are requested to attend if possible. 

I am respectfully your most obedt, &c. 

Frankford, July 17, 1793 Isaac Worrell. 

Capt" James Potts. 



44 Appendix. — Letters . 

The following is addressed to "Captain Potts of the 
Frankfort light Infantry Company." 

Philadelphia 24 June 1800 
Df:ar Sir At a meeting of the Legionary Officers last even- 
ing, I was desired to communicate to you the unanimous 
wish of the Corps, that your Company would join the Le- 
gion on the anniversary of our glorious independence. The 
line will be formed at 7 o'Clock in the morning on Ches- 
nut, immediatety above twelfth street, where with pleasure 
you will be received, and by no one with more sincerity 
than by him who with esteem & respect has the honor to 
be, dear sir Your Obed, hum serv 

Jn Shee Commandant 
Captain Potts of the Phil^ Mi. Legion 

June 30 1800 
Sir My Company dines on 4 July in a pleasant Grove 
about 3-4 miles from the Town House North^ Liberties 
the fare will be a Cold Colation with Liquor assorted the 
Expence will not exceed One Dollar pr. man. It is the de- 
sire of the Company & my wish to invite you & your Com- 
pany to Join with us. In respect to my proceeding to Le- 
gionary Parade I propose to leave my Quarters precisely 
at 6 o Clock as the Legion is to be form at 7. If it meets 
your pleasure, I shall be happy in your Company by 6 O- 
Clock. Your Friend J Kessler 

N B. Ensign Miles the Bearer hereof is one of the 
Committee of arrangement & will more particularly com- 
municate with you. 

Captn. Potts. 



Appendix. — Letters. 45 

The following letter is addressed "To Capt Potts or 
Lieut Peart Oxford township Philadelphia County. The 
Care of Major Sullivan in Frankford. In haste." 

Germantown, September 3^^ 1800 

Dear Sir Many Objections have been started by the 
Companies attached to the Legion, on our meeting on Mon- 
day next. The General wish appears to- be for a post- 
ponement untill the first muster day appointed by Law 
(which will be on the 4th day of October next) when (ac- 
cording to the Opinion of Gen^ Shee, Capt. Kesslar, Capt. 
Goodman & others) a muster of the whole Legion may be 
made at Germantown. I am sorry that we have made an 
appointment without consulting our Republican Brethern, 
but we must submit to imperious Circumstances, and defer 
our meeting untill it is announced by Genl. Shee in a pub- 
lick advertisement. I have not yet written to Capt Snyder, 
but as it is probable he may have heard of the intended 
meeting. I will thank you to inform him of the postpone- 
ment. I am, Dear Sir, with Respect your most Obedient 
Servant Matt^ Huston. 



Sir The Republican Committee are requested to meet 
om Wednesday next 3. o Clock P. M, at Sniders tavern on 
the subject of the Election. Please to inform those in 
your neibourhood. Yours &c 

Isaac Worrell. 

Capt. Altemas, Mr. Jacob Carter & yourself. Committee. 

Captn. James Potts. 



46 Appendix. — Orders, &'C. 

Mr. Shee's Compliments to Captain Potts, his officers 
and men — at a meeting of the Gentlemen of the Legion 
last evening, Mr. S. was desired to inform our friends in 
the country of the intended parade on the fourth of March 
to celebrate an event that fills us all with joy; and to testi- 
fy the pleasure it will give them to be joined by your Com- 
pany on the occasion. 

February 25th, 1801. 



Regimental Orders. 

' The officers of the 80th Regiment will parade on Satur- 
day the 25^^ Ins^ at Snyders Tavern, 2 o Clock in the af- 
ternoon in Regimentals, side arms, & a muskit each, in or- 
der to practice themselves in Military discipline all delin- 
quents must account for there neglect as a Court of Inquiry 
will be call'* on all such persons without respect. The 
Captains will give orders to their subaltern officers. 
July 17th, 1801. Isaac Worrell 

Capt. James Potts. Lie* Coll. 80^^ Reg. P. M. 

Dear Sir. I have issued Regimental orders for the 
meeting of the officers of our Regiment on Saturday next 
3 o Clock P. M. at Sniders Tavern Regimentals, side arms 
& Muskits. I will thank you to inform Capt. Proxontain 
tho, I have issued the orders as he lives remote, perhaps 
he may not here of it and likewise his Ensign. 
With due Respect Yours &c. 

March 31st. 1802. Isaac Worrell. 

Capt. James Potts. 



Appendix. — Letter, ^^c. 47 

To THE Judges of Appeal. The Militia Officers. 

May the 4th 1802. 
Gentlemen not presuming to dictate to you, in the 
present case, I would be much gratified if you would exam- 
ine well, the case of those men in Capt. Fesmire's Company 
who left the ranks at Snyders, because their Arms was 
taken from them. Tho I am very shure that their Conduct 
w^as bad that they behaved in a very unsoldier-like manner, 
and as I have told them so, deserve to be fin'd for disobe- 
dience of the order of their officers, yet something can be 
said, as a mitigation in their behalf, that they each man 
had contributed towards the purchase of powder, and ex- 
pected to have the pleasure of fireing it away, that they 
fully expected to keep the Arms And when taken away 
they thought it an imposition. They now see their error 
and appear sorry they disobey'd. Weather it would not be 
good policy, as they are men who generally attend muster, 
and is their first Crime in that way, to lean to the mild 
rreasure and overlook the first offence, and substitute a 
reprimand instead of fine, these Gentlemen are Consider- 
ations entirely submitted to you, and I doubt not but will 
have your strictest attention. 

With much respect I am yours &c. 

• Joshua Sullivan. 



Major Potts is requested and Directed to give immediate 
Notice to all the Officers of his Battalion, That the meeting 
01 Officers agreeable to Law on the 4th of September next, 
is to be at Snyders Tavern at i O Clock in the afternoon 



48 Appendix. — Certificates^ 6^f. 

please to request particular attention as the Militia Law 
and Discipline will be Delivered with the proceedings and 
Manovres of the next field Day. 

Sept. 13^^ 1802 Joshua Sullivan, Lt. Col. 



The Commonwealth Pennsylvania. 

Philad^ County ss 

These are to Certify that you have been Duly Elected 
and Returned Ensignn of the 3^ Company 80^^ Regiment 
Pennsyl^ Militia at an Election held this Day at Shallcross's 
School House Oxford Township You will be Commission- 
ed to that Office, and you are to Take uppon you the duties 
of said Office from this Time. 

Witness my hand at said place October 21^^ 1802. 

James Potts Major 

Michal Carman 2^ Batt. 80^^ Regiment P M. 



August 27th, 1803. 
Sir An Election for a Capt*^ in the first Company late- 
ly Commanded by Capt" Shearer will be h^ld on Saturday 
the 3^* of September next between the hours of 10 & 5 
O Clock at my house on the Road from Frankford to Ger- 
mantown, at which time & place you will be so oblidging 
as to attend. 

Yours with due Respect &c. 

Henry Shouch Ensign. 
Major James Potts. 



Appendix, — Cerfijiaift', (^c.. 49 

Recieved May 2 1803 of Major James Potts one Milita- 
ry Book for the Use of the Volunteer Company attatcht to 
the 80^** Regiment Pennsylv* Militia as Witness my hand 
the Date Above. 

Cap David Altemus 



The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
Philad* County ss 

These are to Certify that you have been duly Elected and 
returned Ensign of the 8th Company in the 80th Regiment 
Pennsyi* Militia at an Election held 21 april 1804 at the 
house of Lewis Smith in said distric You will be Commis- 
sioned to that office and you are to Take upon you the 
dutys of said Office from this Time. 

Witness my hand the date & place above mention** 

James Potts Major 

Mr. Jacob Baker 2^ B. 80^^ R„ 



ENROLLING ORDERS. 

To Captain yames Potts of the Township of Uper Ox- 
ford. 
State of Pennsylvatna \ ^\T O U are hereby required and 
Philadelphia County ss S ^ commanded in the name of 
this COMMONWEALTH, forthwith to make a fair list of 
the names and surnames of all male white persons residing 
within your Township, between the ages of Eighteen and 
Fifty-three years, capable of bearing arms (Delegates in 
Congress, Members of the Supreme Executive Council, 



5© Appendix. — Enrolling Orders. 

Members of the General Assembly, Judges of the Supreme 
Court, Attorney General for the State, the Judge of the 
Admiralty, Treasurer of the State, Sheriffs, Goalers and 
Keepers of the Work-houses, Ministers of the Gospel of 
every denomination, Professors and Teachers in the Uni- 
versity, Post-masters and Post-riders, belonging to the Gen- 
eral Post office. Menial Servants of Ambassadors, or Min- 
isters and Consuls from foreign courts, and of Delegates 
in Congress from other States, registered with the secreta- 
ry of the Supreme Executive Council of this State, and 
servants purchased bona fide and for a valuable consider- 
ation, only excepted) and make a return thereof to me, on 
or before the 22nd day of This Instant as you must answer 
the same upon oath or affirmation. Given under my Hand 
and Seal, this Third ^2.-^ oi May 1784. 

Wm. Coats, Lieutenant C P 



Bearing date of April ist, 1785, is a similar order direct- 
ed to "James Potts Esqr. Captain of the Township of Ox- 
ford & Upper District," the return to be made "at my 
office in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia County, on 
or before the Sixteenth day of April." There is also an- 
other of the same form, dated March i6th, 1786, and 
directed to "James Potts Esqr. of the Township of Oxford 
upper Division," the return to be made "on or before the 
loth day of April next." 

The following is a copy of a fourth and last enrolling 
order. 



Appendix. — Enrolling Orders^ drc 51 

Philadelphia County, ss. 

YOU are hereby requested and commanded, in the 
name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to deliver to 
me, on oath or affirmation, within ten days from and after 
the date hereof, a true and exact list of Names and Sur- 
names of each and every member of your Company, And 
for so doing, this shall be your sufficient warrant. 

Given under my Hand and Seal in the County aforesaid, 
this 3d day of March 1800 

Fred^ Wolbert (l. s.) 
Brigade Inspector to Philadelphia County. 
To the Commanding officer Light Infantry Compy attach- 
ed to 5 th Reg. 



MUSTER ROLLS. 



A Role Call of the Upper Division of Oxford In the first 
Regi* Phi*** County Militia Commanded by Lieu* Coll Bej. 
McVeagh 1784. 

Commissioned. Non Commissioned 

James Potts. David Altemus. 

John Knowles. Christopher Lince. 

David Derrickson. Richard Johnson. 



Fife — Jacob Folkroth. John Shallcross, 

Drum — Jacob Altemus. John Salter. 

William Johnson. 



Privates. Frederick Castor. 

Joseph Tomlinson, Philip Moor. 



52 



Appendix. — Muster RoHh. 



Conrod Snyder. 
John Quee. 
John Harper. 
Barnet Cofman. 
Lenord Shallcross. 
Joseph Yeates. 
Isaac Lile. 
George Kentton. 
John Keen. 
Jacob Caster. 
Philip Smith. 
John Snyder. 
Arthur Neismith. 
Benjamin Cotman. 
Christopher Pismire. 
John Lince. 
Mathias Yance. 
Henry Hartly. 
Peter Hartly. 
James Tison. 
Joseph Kerkner, 
Isaac Eedwards. 



Benjamin Vandgrief. 
Joseph Ashton. 
Joseph Howell. 
Timothy Hick. 
Joseph Taylor. 
Henry Brings. 
George Folk roth. 
Samuel Wells. 
John Nagle. 
George Tomlinson. 
John Addis. 
Henry Mires. 
George Caster. 
Conrod Ox. 
Thomas Shallcross. 
Isreal Kentton. 
Thomas Smith. 
Lewis GrifFy. 
Elisha Keen. 
Christopher Hartly. 
George Far rah. 



A Role Call of the Upper Division of Oxford Militia In 
the first Reg^ Phil* County Commanded by Lieut. Coll 
Benj« McVe.agh. April \V^ 1785 



The above is the heading of the next muster roll. The 
list of names is the same as the last except that the follow- 
mg are omitted: Jacob Altemus, Philip Smith, Philip Moor, 



Appe7idix. — Muster Rolls. 



53 



Henry Brings, Samuel Wells, George Tomlinson, George 
Caster, Conrod Ox, Lewis Griflfy and George Farrah ; and 
the following added: Philip Crisman, Benj. Fisher, Jacob 
Snider, John Comly, Richard Keys, Lenord Altemus and 
John Storer. 



A Role Call of the Upper Division of Oxford 6th Com- 
pany First Battalion Philad. County Militia Commanded 
by Lieut Coll Benj McVeagh for April and May 1786. 

Commissioned. Non Commissioned, 

Capt.^ James Potts. Christopher Lince. 

Lieut. ^ Joseph Davis. Samuel Dungan. 

Ensign^ David Derrickson. Michal Braydy. 



Fife^ Jacob Folroth. 


Thomas Smith. 




Elisha Keen. 
Christopher Hartly 


David Altemus. 


Joseph Tomlinson. 


Benj" Fisher. 


Conrod Snider. 


Samuel Emlen. 


John Quee. 


Larence Buskirk. 


Leonard Shallcross. 


William Elviston. 


Joseph Yeats Junr. 


Harman Wyly. 


Is 'c Lile. 


Richard Skeys. 


G' .:c Kentton. 


John Comly. 


Jc Keen. 


John Edgington. 


J: Caster. 


Jacob Livensetter. 


J( Snider. 


Will™ Shallcross. 


A Neismith. 


Jacob Keen. 


B. Cotman. 


George Street. 



54 



Appendix] — Muster Rolls. 



Christopher Fismire. 
John Lince. 
Mathias Yance. 
Henry Hartly. 
Peter Hartly. 
Isaac Edwards. 
WilP^ Johnson. 
Benj*^ Vandegrift. 
Joseph Ashton. 
Joseph Taylor. 
George Folk rod. 
George Caster Jun. 
Thomas Shallcross. 
Isreal Kenton. 
Levi Kenton. 



William Crips. 
Jonathan Jones. 
Jonathan Ray. 
Benj" Tomlinson. 
John Storer. 
Lenord Altemus. 
Danil Glenn. 
George Tomlinson. 
John Coffy. 
Frederick Caster. 
Sebastian Spencer. 
Richard Tomlinson. 
John Duffy. 
Jesse Newport. 
Robert Orchard. 



A Role Call of the upper Division of Oxford first Com- 
pany first Batt* Philadelphia County Militia Comanded by 
Major Isaac Worrell for October 1786 



Commissioned. 
Capf. James Potts. 
Lieut. David Altemus. 
Ensighn^ Ben] Vandegrieft. 



NoN Commissioned. 
Samuel Dungan. 

Fife &> Drum. 
Jacob Folkrod. 



The roll of privates includes all on the last list except 
Peter Hartly, Wm. Johnson, Harman Wyly, Jacob Keen, 
George Street, Jonathan Ray, Lenord Altemus, Paniel 
Glenn, John Coify and Frederick Caster, beside the follow- 
inir in addition. 



Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 



55 



William Johnson. 
Johm Carman. 
Jacob Riffert. 
John Lorton. 
James Fryer. 
Thomas Gordon. 
John Bavington. 
Arthur Burns. 
Joseph Johnson. 
Henry Caster. 

In the above roll. 



John Faremire. 
Jacob Ramack. 
David Newport. 
George Farrow. 
Andrew Scott. 
Richard Duffield. 
John Knowles. 
Isaac Keen. 
Samuel Howell. 

Arthur Neismith is mentioned as de- 
Gone" opposite 



ceased, and eighteen others are marked 
their names. 



In several of the muster rolls, the list of names are al- 
most entirely the same. It, therefore, seems unnecssary 
to repeat them. In such cases, only the heading and such 
new names as appear, will be given. 



A Role Call of the upper Division of Oxford first Com- 
pany first Batt^ Philadelphia County Militia Comanded by 
Major Thomas Homes for October 1787. 

The following new names appear. 



John Fesmire. 

John Taylor. 

Simon Crews, (or Cruzen.) 

George Myers. 

Sereck Fox. 



Charles Biles. 
William Lear. 
James Eliot. 
James Wallace. 
Jonathan Babington Jun. 



56 



Appendix. — Miister Rolls. 



A Role Call of Upper Division of Oxford First Compa- 
ny first Batt^ Phild^ County Militia Commaned by Lieut. 
Coll Isaac Worrell for October 1787 



The following names appear for the first time. 

Thomas Welden Watson. Henry Man. 
Andrew Carman. 
William Eddinger. 



Daniel Carson. 
William Lardner. 



A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In 
fantry of the first Batt^ of Philad^ County Militia Com 
manded by Isaac Worrell Esq*" October 1787 

Commissioned. Non Commissioned. 

James Potts Capt. Thomas Chappell. 

John Dyer Lieut. Christopher Lintz. 



MUSICK. 

Jacob Folkrod. 
Francis Terrell. 



Privates. 
Richard Duffield. 
Jeremiah Ward. 
Samuel Dungan. 
Isaac Staats. 
William Walton. 
John Ramboe. 
John Elveston. 
Patrick Crangle. 



Frederick Past. 
Thomas Filpott. 
Joseph Davids. 
Levi Kenton. 
Peter Keen, 
Benjamin Boar. 
Jaques Holmes 
Samuel Neff. 
William McGargle. 
Joseph Taylor. 
Richard Tomlinson. 
Joseph Strickler. 
Mathew Orrison. 



Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 57 

John Matchener. Simon Kruzen. 

Thomas Peart. Daniel Street. 

Henry Helt. David Boor. 

John McVeagh. John McRoy. 

Joseph Johnson. Samuel Briggs. 

Thomas McDowell. Thomas Grooms. 

John Patton. William Suterland. 

Mathias Waxier. Joseph Dyer. 

Cornelias Sullivan. Joseph Tomlinson. 

Henry Bowers. Jonathan Walton. 

Fredrick Baugh. Jacob Ramak. 



A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
fantry of the first Batt! of Phil ad* County Militia Com- 
maned By Lieut. Coll Isaac Worrell June 1788. 

The following new names are added : — Jacob VanDer- 
grieft, John Plunket and John Homls. 



A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
fantry of the first Batt^ of Phil* County Militia Commaned 
By Isaac Worrell Esqr. 1789. 

Commissioned. Musick. 

James Potts, Capt. Fife Jacob Folkrod. 

John Dyre, i Lieut. 
Joseph Taylor, 2 Lieut. 

The following new names appear in this Roll. 

William Walton. Michal Yonker. 



58 



Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 



Nathaniel Gohun, 
Thomas Davids. 



Jesse Elveston. 
Henry Shearer. 



A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light In- 
fantry of the Second Batt^ Phila. County Militia Com- 
manded By Isaac Worrell Esquire for 1790. 

In this Roll no new names appear. 



A List or Role of the Light Infantry Company Atached 
to the 5*^ Regiment of Philadelpa County Militia Com- 
manded by Lut Coll Isaac Worrell November 1799. 



Commissioned. 
James Potts Capt 
Samuel Paul Liut 
Samuel Dungan Ens 



Thomas Gilbert. 
Lawrence Scetes. 
Joseph Guilky. 
Joab Gaw. 
Martin Richards. 
Benjamin Dungan. 
Henry Rutzer. 
John Worrell Ju^ 
John Henry. 
Andrew Shoch. 
Bare^ Shoch. 
John McGargle. 



John Herratage. 
Jacob Lessly. 
Samuel Felty. 
John Lile. 
Jesse Jackson. 
Josiah Walton. 
Jacob Harper. 
Benjamin Lawrence. 
William Peart. 
Clement Smith. 
Corneliou Tunison. 
Isaac Burton. 
Will"^ Engard. 
Chris'^ Lutz. 
Thomas Peart. 
John Enoch. 



AppeJidix. — Muster Rolls. 



59 



The bottom of the sheet upon which the foregning Roll 
is written, is torn off. It is probable that it may have con- 
tained eight or nine additional names. 



A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of light In- 
fantry Attached to the 80^^ Regiment of Pensylvania Mili- 
tia Commaned by Lieut. Coll. Worrell for 1801. 



Commissioned. 
James Potts Capt. 
William Peart Lieut. 
Samuel Dungan Eiisin. 



MusiCK. 
Edward Well Drum 



Names of Privates. 
Andrew Shoch. 
Jacob Harper. 
John McGargle. 
Samuel Felty. 
Henry Retzer. 
Joseph Gilky. 
John Henry. 
Barnard Shoch. 
John Herretage. 
John Enoch. 
Jacob Lesly. 
Enoch Lott. 
Martin Richards. 



NoN Commissioned. 
i^^Job Gaw. 

2 Thomas Gilbert. 

3 John Worrell Jun'" 



Benjam" Worrell. 
Bernard Vanhorn. 
Joseph Hughes. 
Joseph Bender. 
Samuel Norton. 
Joseph Shoch. 
Henry Shoch. 
Jesse Vanhorn. 
John Mower. 
Fredric Shoch. 
Fredric A. Beigle. 
John Gilbert. 
James Smith. 
Michal Folkrod. 
William Love. 
Charles Hill. 
John Wood. 



6o 



Appendix. — Muster Rolls. 



Clement Smith. 
Thomas Peart. 
Archibald Watkins. 
John Harrison. 
Benjamin Peart 
Benjamin Dungan. 
James W. Potts. 



Mark Heart. 
John Arthur. 
Joseph Linn. 
Jacob Faunce. 
Christian Willick. 
Andrew Godshall. 



A List or Role of the Volunteer Company of Light 
Infantry Attacth^ to 80 Regiment Pensylv* Militia Com- 
maned by Lieut. Coll Isaac Worrell — 1801. 

Commissioned. Non Commissioned. 
James Potts Capt. Job Gaw (Resigned.) 
Thomas Gilbert Lieut John Worrell. 
Sam^ Dungan Ensig. Andrew Shoch. 
Jacob Harper. 

MusiCK. 
Joseph Quicksel. 

The following new names appear on this List. 

Eneas Hughs. John James. 

Jesse McGargle. Henry Lovell. 



Sir Please to Pay Jacob Foulkrod the Just Account of 
my Demand for Beating the Drum By So Doing you, 11 
Oblige your humble Servant 

Febury the 4 1788 Jacob Altemus. 

To Captn James Potts. 



Appendix. — Orderly Book. 6i 

ORDERLY BOOK. 

In giving the following entries from this book, the order 
in which they are found is given, and not the order of date. 
The ruling and checking opposite the several lists of 
names found in the original, has been omitted. 



An Orderly Book Of the 2** Battalion of Phidelphia 
County Militia Commaned By Lt CoU Benj" McVeaugh 
At Newtown Septr 26th, 1781. 

General Orders Septr 26th — 1781 
The General takes this Early Oppetunity to inform the 
Militia under his Command that they are to Consider 
themselves Now under the Goverment of the Continental 
Articles of War which he directs to be read to them to 
morrow morning as it is the Officers Duty, the being Fath- 
ers to their men to pay the Stricest attention to them the 
Genl requires every Officer to be Stricly Attentive to their 
Duty the Cap°^ Should See that the Subalterns do their 
Duty and should pay a Constant attention to Every thing 
that Concerns the Comfort & appearance of their Company 
the Field Officers have the Gen^ Direction of the Whole & 
not trusting others Should frequently Examine into every 
particular thing that relates to the Comfort good Order & 
Discipline of their Regt. The Use and Beauty of an Army 
consists more in Regularity & Discipline than in Numbers 
Hence it is nesesary from the Col^ to the Sergent to be 
Extremely Carefull & Attentive to Orders for it is of no 
Use to them if the are not attended to. 



62 Appendix, — Orderly Book. 

As the Troops for want of room are Quartered on the 
Inhabitants the Gen^ hopes and Expects that both Officers 
& men will be Carfull of the property Of the Inhabitants 
Where they are quartered and rest Satisfied that the Mili- 
tia of Pensylvania are influenced by Superior Motives than 
to Desroy or injure the Property of their Neibours He 
therefore hopes that no Complaint will be heard on that 
account. The Gen^ has a very Strict and peremptory or- 
der to give to those Troops Quartered in the Meeting 
house that they will be particularly Carefull not to injure 
any thing Belonging to that building that no fire should be 
made in the House except in the Stove nor Should Any 
thing be Cut on the Seats. The Officers should be very 
Careful of their Men in this respect and Should any 
destruction be made the Damage must be Charged to the 
Perpetrators who is so Lost to Good 



County of Phild>. to James Potts Dr 

1780 To Serving Coll. McVeugh' Batt^ as Adju- 

tant . . . . . . o 15 o 

1781 To 2 days serving " . . o 15 o 

1782 To Ditto 2 Days . . . . o 15 o 

1783 Serveses as Capt in Said Batt^ . 

To Making Return of Inhabitants . . o 11 3 

1784 To Repairs of the Drum . . 020 

1785 To Making Return of Inhabitants . . 11 3 
To 18 Days Serveses by Jacob Folkrod 

As Fiffer in 1783 — 1784 — 1785 . -33° 

1786 Settled and not Entered [Written in the margin.] 
To Serveces by Jacob Altemus as Drummer 



Appendix. — Orderly Book. 63 

II Days 1783—84—85 . . . I 18 6 

1786 To 4 Days Serveses by John Wessell o 14 o 

1787 To making a Return of Inhabitants . 0150 
Jacob Folkrods Serveses 4 Days . o 14 o 
John Wessell 2 Days . . . .070 
Henry Mires i Day Drumming . . 036 

« 

An Account of Extra Serveses. 

1787 To 3 Days Serveces by Francis . . o 10 3 

1788 To Collecting the Arms of my Distritc o 18 9 

Eightieth Regiment P: M: to Jas Potts Dr 

To Setting on an Appeal May 1802 . .1$ 

Octob 4 To holding an Election for Capt" Ligt Infan 
& Ensign ..... 

1802 II To Ditto 3d Company upper Oxford Capt" 
II To Ditto 7 Company Frankford Ditto Capt 
16 To Ditto 7 Do for Lieutenant for Do . 
21 To Ditto 3d Do for Lieut, for Ditto 
21 To Ditto 3d Do for Ensign for Ditto . 

I Nov To Setting on an Appeal for Militia 
Dece 17 To Ditto Field Officers at Sniders Taven 
May 2d 1803 To Attening an Election for a Lieuten- 

1803 ant in the 7th Company 
14 To holding an Election for Captain in first 

Company at Harrowgate Votes Equal . 
Sept 3d To Ditto first Company Capt & Lieut . 

10 To Do first Do for Ensign 
October loth To holding an Election for an Ensign in 
first Company Account rendered in 



64 



Appejidix. — Orderly Book. 



April 2 1 St 1804 held an Election in the 8th Company 



for an Ensign 



We and Each of us Subscribers hereby Acknowledge the 
Receipt of the Several Arms and Accutrements to our 
Names Affixed Wich we Promise to Deliver when Called 
for or In Case of Death or Removal in as good Order as 
we Received them Except Injured in Actual Service to 
Capt James Potts or any Other Commanding Offercer in 
the upper Division of Oxford Township Witness our 
hands the Date under Written in year 1788 



George Street 

his 
James X Fryer 

mark 
Joseph Yates Jun 
Jacob Riffert 

his 
Henry x Mires 

mark 

Peter Davis 
John Keen 
Daniel Glan 
Richard Martin 
John Snider 
Cunard Snider 



Jacob Ramak 
John Taylor 
Cristopher Hartly 
Sereck Fox 
John Carman 
William Lear 
John Lintz 

his 
John X C Lidy 

mark 
William magargel 
Mathias Yantz 
Richard Tomlinson 
Samuel griffith 
Jacob Van Dergrift 
Samuel Dungun 



* Probably William Edinger, 

The arms and accoutrements delivered were Muskets, 
Bayonets, Cartridge Boxes, Belts and Scabbards. 



Appendix. — Orderly Book. 65' 

A Return of Fines of the Light Infantry of Coll. Worrels 

Batl from 3d Novem 1787 to 5th of may 1789 

Lieut Dyre. Jaques Holms. 

Lieut Chapell. Will™ McGargle. 

Jacob Folkrod. Joseph Taylor. 

Chris^ Lintz. Rich'i Tomlinson. 

Francis Terrell. Joseph Stricler. 

Richd Duffield. Henry Helt. 

Jaremiah Ward. Joseph Johnson. 

Will"^ Walton. David Boar. 

John Ramboe. Sam^ Briggs. 

Fredric Post. Jos Dyre. 

Levi Kenton. Jos Tomlinson. 

Benj" Boar. Jona'^ Walton. 



Memmarandom of the Light Infantry of Frankford At- 
tacht to the 80th Regiment of Pensylvaina Militia from the 
Time of my Appointment of October — 1799. 

James Potts Capt. 

A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Company 
Attacht to the 80th Regiment of Pensylvania Militia for 
April — 1800 

Lieut Sam^ Paul. * Christian Whittock. 
Lawrence Scates. Robert Hammilton. 

Joseph Gilky. Andrew Godshall. 

John Herretage. Jacob Harper. 

Jesse Jackson. William Peart Ju^ 

Josia Walton. 



66 



Appe7idix. — Orderly Book. 



A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Attacht to 
the 8oth Regiment Pensylvania Militia for 1800 & 1801 



Samuel Dungan Ensi 
Job Gaw. 
John Worrell Jun 
Henry Retzer. 
John Henry. 
John Enoch. 
Enoch Lott. 
Martin Richards. 
Thomas Street. 
John Harrison. 
John Mower. 
Benjamin Dungan. 



Bernard Van horn. 
Joseph Hughes. 
Jacob Deal. 
Samuel Norton. 
William Love. 
Henry Shoch. 
Charles Hill. 
John Wood. 
Mark Hart. 
John Ather. 
Joseph Linn. 



October 5 12 19 1799 Musick paid by the Company. 

April 12 — 19 — 24 — 1800 Days Appointed by Law The 
Musick paid by the Company. 

October 4 — n — 17 — 1800 Days Appointed by Law mu- 
sick paid by the Company. 

April II — 18 — 23 — 1801 Days Appointed by Law mu- 
sick paid by the Company. 



October 5 — 10 — 17 — 1801 Lawfull Days Musick by 
the Company. 



Appendix. — Orderly Book. 



67 



A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Company 
Attacht to the 80th Regiment of Pensylv Militia Command- 
ed by Isaac Worrell Esqr for 1801 [April.] 



John McGargle. 
John Enoch. 
Jacob Lesley. 
Enoch Lott. 

*Not in the Countv. fSick. 



John Harrison. 
Benjamin Dungan.* 
Samuel Norton. f 
Jesse Van Horn.t 



A Return of Absentees of the Light Infantry Company 
Attatched to the 80th Regiment Pensyl^ Militia Comman- 
ed by Lieut Coll Worrell for 1801 [May and June.] 



Ensign Dungan. 
Andrew Shoch. 
John McGargle. 
Sam^ Felty. 
Henry Retzer. 
Joseph Gilky. 
John Henry. 
Barnard Shoch. 
John Heretage. 
John Enoch. 
Jacob Lesly. 
Enoch Lott. 
Martin Richards. 
Clement Smith. 



Archibald Watkins. 
John Harrison. 
Samuel Norton. 
Jesse Vanhorn. 
Fredric Shoch. 

[July and August.] 
Samuel Felty. Sick. 
Jacob Lesley. 
Samuel Norton. 
Jesse Van horn. 
Henry Retzer. 
Joseph Gilky. 
John Henry. 



68 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 

A Riturn of Absentees belonging to the Light Infantry 
Company attached to the 8oth Regiment of Pens^ Militia 
Commanded by Lt. Coll Isaac Worrell for iSoi. [October.] 

Ensign Dungan. Tho^ Street. 

John Enoch. Benj Peart. 

Enoch Lott. John Herritage. 

John Harrison. John McGargle. 

Joseph Bender. Andrew Godshall. 
Samuel Norton. 

A Return of Absentees Continued 1802. [January.] 

Saml Dungan. Joseph Hughes. 

Jacob Harper. Joseph Bender. 

John Herritage. Saml Norton. 

John Enoch. Jesse Vanhorn. 

Jacob Lessley. Fred A Beigle. 

Enoch Lott. Eneas Hughs. 

Arch'i Watkins. Thom^ Street. 
Bernard Vanhorn. 



A Return of the Absentees of the Volunteer Company 
of Light Infantry Attatch,d to the 80th Regiment Pensyla. 
Militia for the Stated Days of Muster by Law 1802. 

Names of Delinquents. Jesse Vanhorn. 

Henry Retzer. Jesse McGargle. 

Jacob Lesley. Ensign Dungan. 

Enoch Lott. John McGargle. 

Archibald Watkins. Barnard Vanhorn. 

[The days are the loth, 17th and 22d of April.] 



Appendix. — Orderly Book. 



69 



An Account of the Arms & Accutrements Received from 
the Following Persons of the upper Company of Oxford 
first Batt^ October 1786 



Richard Johnson. 
Isaac Keen. 
John Knowles. 
Fredrick Caster. 
Peter Hartle. 



Capt. Dungan. 
Spring 1787. 
George Farrah. 
Robert Orchard. 



A Return of the Absentees 
of Light Infantry Attatched to 
Militia of Phil* County for 180 

Ensign Dungan. 
John McGargle. 
John Henry. 
John Enoch. 
Jacob Lisley. 
Enoch Lott. 
Benj" Worrell. 



of the Volunteer Company 
the 80th Regimt. Pensyla. 
2. [July.] 

Bernard Vanhorn. 
Henry Shoch. 
Jesse Vanhorn. 
Fredric Schoch. 
Christian Wittock. 
Andrew Godshall. 
Jesse McGargle. 



Received February 10^^ 1788 of James Potts the Sum of 
Nine Pounds five Shillings & Nine pence in part for Ser- 
veses Performed for the first Company First Batl Witness 
my hand Jacob Foulkrod. 



Oxford October 13TH 1783. 
Receits of Arms and Accutrements delivered to the 



70 Appendix. — Orderly Book, 

Upper Division of Oxford Militia by Captain James Potts 
First Batt^ Pliil^ County Comaned by Coll Benj. MVeagh. 

Received 17th of February 1788 of James Potts the Sum 
of Six Shillings for Servis in the Light Infantry Company 
Witness my hand Franks Tyrrell. 

Received October 13th 1783 of Capt. James Potts one 
Musket With Acutrements belonging thereto Witness my 
hand. John Lince. 

Received October 20th 1783 of Capt. James Potts one 
Musket With Acutrements belonging thereto Witness my 
hand. Joseph Yates. 

Receved May 3d 1784 of Capt James Potts one Stand 
of Arms Compleat Witness my hand 

Received October 17th 1786 of Capt. James Potts the 
Sum of 14 Shillings it being for Fifeing four Days for the 
Company for year 1786 Witness my hand. 

Jacob Foulkrod. 

Received October i6th 1786 of Capt. James Potts the 
Sum of Three Shillings & Nine pence it being for Drum- 
ming on Said Day received per by me 

Received October 23d 1786 of Capt James Potts the 
Sum of Seventeen Shilling & Six pence it being for Drum- 
ming 5 Days for the year 1786 Witness my hand. 

John Wessell. 



Appendix. — 'Orderly Book. 71 

Received December 15th 1787 of Capt. James Potts the 
Sum of Ten Shillings and Six pence in full to this Date it 
being for Druming 3 Days in October 1787. 

Fra^^ Tyrell. 



Received of Capt James Potts, the following Public Arms 
and Accutrements Which is hereunto our Names Anexed 
Witness our hands this 9th Day of October 1786. 

Thomas Smith John Fesmier 

John Lince Henry Harttle 

John Quee Chrpher Harttle 

Israel Kenton John Snider 

Jonathen Jones George Foulkrod 

Connard Snider Jacob Ramah 
George Caster 

Received of Capt. James Potts the following Public 
Arms & Accutrements Which is hereunto our Names 
Anexed Witness our hands this i6th Day of October 1786 

George x Farrahs mark Andrew Scott x 

Joseph David. William Edhinnar 
Robert Orchard (Edinger.) 

William Shallcross Richard Tomlinson 

Samuel Dungan John Keen 

Received January 2 2d 1788 of Capt. James Potts 21 
Muskets 19 Bayonets 23 Cartridge Boxes 18 Seaboards & 
belts being Public Arms of the upper District of Oxford 
Witness my hand Joseph Dearman Capt. 



72 Appendix. — Orderly Book. 

Account of Arms and Accutrements Delivered to the 
under Named Persons by James Potts Capt of the upper 
Division of Oxford [1783.] 

John Lince Thomas Smith. 

Joseph Yeats. John Quee. 

John Nagle. Isral Kentton. 

Edmond Staats. Isaac Lile. 

A List of Persons and the Arms & Accutrements they 
Delivered up to mee 3 of January 1788. 

John Taylor. George Folkrod. 

Joseph Taylor. Jacob Ramah. 

John Lintz. Joseph Davids. 

John Quee. Samuel Dungan. 

Isreal Kenton. John Keen. 

Sereck Fox. Will™ Eddinger. 

Conrod Snider. Rich^ Tomlinson. 

John Snider. Isaac Lile. 

George Caster. Joseph Yeates. 

Christopher Hartle. Mathias Yance. 

Amount of the fines incured under the State Law in the 
Duplicate of the Light Infantry Attacht to the 80th Regi- 
ment Philada County Militia Commanded by Coll Worrell 
from 12 April 1800 to 23 April 1801 is 41 Dollars. 

In the Duplicate of the By Laws from Sept 1800 to 6 
June 1801 Amounts to 15 Dollars 25 Cents. 

In the Duplicate of the Monthly Contributions Amounts 
7 Dollars 62 Cents. 



Appendix. — Ot 'derly Book. 



73 



Coppy of a Return Made on October 17th 1785 of the 
6th Company first Batt^ Philad. County Militia Commaned 
By Benj" M'Veagh Esqr. 



James Tison. 
John Salter. 
Will™ Johnson. 
Fredrick Caster. 
[Signed.] 



Joseph Howell. 
Henry Mires. 
Thomas Shallcross. 

James Potts Capt. 



Return of Absentees in the first Company First Batt^" 
Philad. County Militia Commanded by Lieu^ Coll Benjn. 
McVaugh. [1786.] 



Samuel Emlen. 
Leonard Shallcross. 
Thomas Shallcross. 
Sebastian Spencer. 
Jacob Levensetter. 
[Signed.] 



Will™ Johnson. 
John Coffy. 
Isaac Lile. 
Harm an -Wiley. 



James Potts Capt. 



Return of fines in the First Company First Batt^ Philad. 
County Militia Commanded By Lieu^ Coll Isaac Worrell 
Esq^ [October, 1786.] 



Leonard Shallcross. 
Isaac Lile. 
John Lince. 
Thomas Shallcross. 
Benj'^ Fisher. 
Samuel Emlen. 



George Tomlinson. 
Sebastian Spencer. 
Richard Tomlinson. 
John Duffy. 
Jesse Newport. 
Thomas Gordon. 



74 



Appe7idix. — Orderly Book. 



William Johnson. 
Jacob Livensetter. 
Benjn Tomlinson. 
John Stover. 
[Signed.] 



Athur Burns. 
Joseph Johnson. 
Jesse Newport. 
David Newport. 

James Potts Capt. 



A Return of Absentees made for April & May 1787 of 
the first Company of foot in the first Batt^ Philadl^ County 
Militia Commanded by Isaac Worrell Esq^ 1787 



Leonard Shallcross. 
Isaac Lile. 
John Lince. 
Thomas Shallcross. 
Levi Kenton. 
Sam^ Emlen. 
William Johnson. 
Benjn Tomlinson. 



Robert Orchard. 
Richard Tomlinson. 
Athur Burns. 
Jesse Newport Jun. 
David Newport. 
Jacob Livensetei:. 
Andrew Scott. 



Return of Absentees in the First Company First Batt. 
Philad^ County Militia Commanded By Lieut. Coll. Isaac 
Worrell Esq^ For 1787. [October.] 

Leonard Shallcross. Sam^ Emlen. 

Thomas Shallcross. Jesse Newport Jun 

Benj" Fisher. David Newport. 

Benj" Tomlinson. Will"^ Johnson. 

Henry Riffert. Andrew Carman. 
George Mires. 



Appendix. — Muster Order. 75 

MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



Philadelphia County, September, 13th, 1787. 

Notice is hereby given, To the Militia of the County of 
Philadelphia, That the following days are appointed by 
law, as days of exercise, viz. 

In Companies the two first Monday's in the month of 
06lober, viz. The first and Eighth. 

And in Battalions in the following order, viz. 

The first Batlalion on the third Monday in 06tober, viz. 
The 15 th. 

The second Battalion on the Tuesday following, the i6th. 

The Companies Commanded by Captain's Gray, Worrel, 
and Streeper, will as usual join Col. Jone's Battalion on 
Friday, the 19th of 06tober, &c. 

The Troop of Light Horse, is to take Notice, that they are 
to meet properly equipt on the company days, viz. ist and 
8th of 06tober, at Shippen's field, nearly opposite to the 
Robin Hood, on the Ridge Road ; it is expe6ted they will 
be ready to form by eleven o'Clock in the morning; at the 
meeting a Captain to be Ele6ted in the Room of Captain 
Hopkins Resigned. 

They are also to meet on the 15th of 06lober, at the ten 
mile Stone, on the New-town road, by eleven o'Clock in 
the morning, in order to join Col. Worrel's Battalion. 

The Militia will please to observe, that for the future, it 
is expefted, that if they have any appeal to make for being 
absent on any of the days appointed as days of Exercise, 
they must make the same within ten days after Battalion 



7 6 Appendix. — Toasts. 

day, to their respedive officers, as any applications later, 
will be ineffectual. 

Given under my Hand, this 13th day of September, 

William Coats, Lieutenant, C. P. 



1 May the present year produce Peace and Plenty to 
the sons of Liberty throughout the world. 

2 May the Rising generation throughout the world be 
indowed with principles of the rights of man. 

3 May the time of Tirants & tories be like unto Jonah's 
Goard. 

4 George Washington Benjamin Franklin & all others, 
patriots of American Independancy, May their Names be 
held in gratefull remembrance by the people of the United 
States. 

5 May the insueing Presidential Chair be filled with 

Honor to the United States. 

6 Thomas McKean the Govenor of Pennsylvania & the 
pride of the Republicans. 

7 May the Present year give New Lustre to the Great 
Bulwark of the Nation, the Militia. 

8 The thirteen Usurpers in the Senate of Pennsylva- 
nia, may they for ever be remembered by the true Sons of 
Liberty. 

9 May the Republicans of the United States triumph 
over Tyrany & Congratulate the Downfall of their Antag- 
onists. 

10 May the Alien & Sedition Laws meet with a Speedy 
Obliteration. 



Appendix . — Toasts. 7 7 

11 The Shores of the United States, may they be an 
Asylum for the friends of liberty & the admirers of our 
Constitution. 

12 May the Commotions of the Seas strike terror on & 
Sink the plunderers of our Commerce. 

13 Thomas Jefferson Vice President of the United 
States, May his good patriotism well merited intitle him to 
the Name of President of the United States of America. 

14 Thomas Jefferson friend to Liberty & to his Con- 
stituents. 

15 A Sound Sleep to the Enemies of Liberty. 

16 The Era now Commenced in the United States, the 
Sure pledge of the Downfall of despotism and Aristocacy. 



On the first day of the new year, the celebration of the 
Election of President & vice President of the United States, 
was held at the House of Major Sullivan in Frankford, by 
the first Philad^ County troop of Horse Commanded by 
Capt^. Snider and the Company of Light Infantry attached 
to the 80th Regiment Commanded by Capt" Potts, after 
performing Military exercise — sat down to an excelent 
repast provided on the occation — after which the following 
toasts were drank. 

1 The present year may it produce peace & plenty to 
the Sons of freedom throughout the world. 3 Cheers i 
volley. 

2 Thomas Jefferson president Elect, the rock on which 
the storms of monarchal faction long has beat without 
avail. 6 cheers i volley. 

3 Aaron Burr vice president Elect, the tried and un- 



78 Appendix. — Toasts. 

daunted friend of his Country. 3 Cheers i volley. 

4 George Washington & Benjamin Franklin the great- 
est of the late age, may their fame be held in remembrance 
until time shall be no more. 

5 The Government of the United States, may it be 
conducted with admiration to the World. 3 Cheers i 
volley. 

6 The Governor of Pennsylvania, Republicans pride. 
3 Cheers i Volley. 

7 The Militia the only safe defence & bulwark of our 
nation, may the present year add new lustre thereto. 3 
Cheers i volley. 

8 The rising generations of the world, may they be in- 
dowed with the principles of the rights of man. 3 Cheers 
I volley. 

9 The time of Tirants & torys, may they be like unto 
Jonahs goard. 6 Cheers i volley. 

10 May the Republicans of the United States triumph 
over Aristocracy and foreign influence to the end of time. 
3 Cheers i volley. 

11 May the alien & sedition laws be speedily oblitera- 
ted. I volley. 

12 The Shores of the United States may they be an 
Asylum for the opressed friends of freedom and the admir- 
ers of our constitution. 3 Cheers i volley. 

13 May the commotions of the seas strike terror on 
and sink the plunderers of our commerce. 3 Cheers i 
volley. 

14 The manufactories, agriculture, and commerce of 
our country may they rise superior to any in the world 
3 Cheers i volley. 



Appendix. — Regimental Orders. 79 

15 A sound sleep to the enemies of Liberty. 

16 The Era now commenced in the United States, the 
sure pledge of the downfall of Toryism the Aristocray. 



Regimental Orders. 

For the 80^^ Regiment on the 23^ of April. 

1 The Regiment to parade at 12 oClock precisly to be 
formed with the Horse & Infantry on the flanks. 

2 Standing Salute. 

3 Manuel Exercise. 

4 Wheeling by Platoons. 

5 Do. by Divisions. 

6 form Collom on the right the right in front. 

7 Do. Collom on the left the left in front. 

8 Do. Collom on the 5th platoon the right in front. 

9 advance the whole Charge & fire a volley. 

10 change the front. 

11 Marching Salute in platoons. 
Call the role & dismiss. 

April 17th 1 80 1. Isaac Worrell 

Capt" James Potts. Coll: 80^^ Reg. P. M. 

Light Infantry. 



Order of Sham Battle for the 22D of Oc^ 1801 for 
the 80TH Regt : P. M. 

Major Pearson will command the right wing Major Sul- 
livan the left. 

The left wing will form Column and march to the oppo- 



8o Appendix. — Regimental Orders. 

site side of the field from the Parade ground and then dis- 
play. 

The right will form Column on the right Platoon and 
advance to a proper distance from the left and halt and 
display to the' left. 

The Platoons of each will fire from right to left. 

The right & left Squadrons of horse will charge each oth- 
er during this manoeuvre and return at the signal given by 
Maj. P. which the commanding officer of each Squad is 
requested to take notice of, and form to the right & left of 
Maj. P's Division. 

Maj. P. will then order his Division to the right about 
face and retreat. 

The Infantry who are to reserve their fire will now ad- 
vance and face Maj. Sullivans Division in order to cover 
the retreat of Maj. P's division and the Horse will charge 
the right & left Platoons of Maj. S's division which right & 
left Platoons are to receive them with a Charge and the 
Center Platoons are to keep up their fire on the Infantry 
as soon as Maj. P's division is on the Parade ground the 
Horse and Infantry will take their stations on the ground 
as they where first Paraded & Maj. S's Division will also 
march and form on their original ground. 

The subscriber is thus particular as his whole reliance 
for the due execution of this manoeuvre as well as all oth- 
ers on this day is on the exertions of his Brother officers 
as it will be the first time he has had the honor to com- 
mand a regiment, of Course will not be able to go through 
with the arduous task without it. 

Clement B. Pearson, 

Cap. Potts. Maj. Com. pro Tern. 



Appendix. — Letter. 8 1 

[The following extract is from a letter addressed on the 
outside to "Mr. James Potts, Oxford," and on the inside to 
his wife, and was from her sister, Miss Ann Wessell, From 
the previous portion of the letter it appears that Miss Wes- 
sel had been spending a few days in the country, and on 
her return to the city sends this letter back to her sister, in 
which she gives a brief account of the honors paid to Gen- 
eral Washington on his passage through Philadelphia and 
Trenton, on his way from his home at Mount Vernon 
to New York to be inaugurated first President of the 
United States, in 1789. The procession referred to, was 
probably the grand demonstration on the Fourth of July, 
1788, a full description of which can be found in Carey's 
Avierican Museum for 1798.] 

^ * I was angry enough to cry, when I was told 
what great works there was here a Monday ; there was more 
people here than on the day of the Procession ; the bridge 
at Schuylkill was beautifully dressed with laurel and pine 
shrubs and an elegant arch was was at one end and a little 
boy was dressed in white and placed unperceived among 
the bushes; and as the General moved along under he 
crowned him with a wreath of laurels : and at Trenton 
it was partly the same only it was decorated by the Tren- 
ton Ladies and a number of Ladies was standing on one 
side the bridge, on the other side as many little misses 
dressed in white with wreaths of flowers on their heads, 
and baskets of flowers in hands strewing them before him 



8 2 Appendix. — Letter. 

as he passed singing a song composed on the occasion. He 
stopped to hear them seeming quite lost in thought remem- 
bering that spot I suppose. When they had done he bowed 
and said something very pretty to them and rode on. "*" ^ 



ANCESTRAL CHARTS, 



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On the following pages are given charts of the American 
ancestors of Major James Potts and of his wife, Sarah 
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ancestors of "John Wessels, " were residents of New Am- 
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some account of the descendants of Wesel Evertszen and 
Geertie Bouwkens, the ancestors of one branch of the 
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1700, the Dutch system of patronymics was adhered to. 



84 



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